Things You Should Ask Your Granite Fabricator, Before The First Cuts

Avoid hidden fees, and get the most for your money by asking these questions first.

We know that the more information you have before undertaking a project such as a renovation, the more possibility you have of saving money. Think about all the research you do before buying a car. You want to know the mpg, the safety features, and of course the price. Then you search what’s around you. Find the place with the best deals, rebates, and reviews on the ride that you want. In a way, buying granite is the same, and so is finding a granite fabricator.

Before you get to a granite fabricator, you have to find the right stone for the right price.

Before we get into the questions you should ask a granite fabricator, let’s go through the things you should know about where you can buy the slabs. Knowing will only help you save money.

There have been a lot of changes in the granite market in the past ten years. You now have options. There are specialty natural stone shops and showrooms that have an in-house fabricator, there are big box stores where you can search through a typically smaller variety of slabs, and then there are wholesalers such as Granite Liquidators.

Big-box stores:

Big- box stores, as you know, don’t specialize in one area. They try to cover everything, even at a minimum. This means fewer choices in some regards, but most especially in regard to granite. Typically stores such as these will choose the most popular and consistent stones because they know those will sell. This means if you don’t search elsewhere, you are stuck with whatever they have in their limited selection.

One-stop shops:

These are great in many ways. If you don’t know much about construction, or want your project done quick, and don’t care as much about your budget- then this is a great option. They tend to have a good variety as well.

Typically though, these types of showrooms will charge more because of their in-house fabrication. You also have no choice but to use their fabricator.

Wholesale:

If you have a budget, or simply want to get the best price for your countertops, them buying your slabs wholesale is the way to go. It allows you to search through a wide variety of natural stones, imported directly from quarries around the world. Since the middle man is cut out of the process, you can save thousands on quality materials.

The fabricator isn’t in- house, but this means that you have the chance to search around for the best price on fabrication as well.

Now, onto the questions to ask your granite fabricator:

As mentioned, it’s just like buying a car. You ask questions. You want to know exactly what you are paying for. If you purchase from anywhere other than a wholesale showroom, then you need to consider these things before you even purchase your granite. You need to treat it like an interview, and you are the interviewer. You want to know that you’re making the right decision on a granite fabricator.

Pricing

Naturally, you want to know the costs associated with the fabrication. Typically they will give you that cost on a per square meter estimate. The average price is usually somewhere between $25-50 per square meter to fabricate. This is added to the price of the stone, of course.

If you are asking for anything other than a basic fabrication and installation, then you should also ask about any costs associated with that. For example, if you want a special type of edge done, or an unusual cut or layout, first ask if they can do it, then what it would cost.

Edging

Not all fabricators will do specialty edging, or polishes. Some will only do basic service. This may especially be the case with a big box store. So if you want anything other than a rounded edge, you should ask what they have available. Not all will tell you right away that they have other options. Asking is always the best way to find out. And of course, ask if there is an extra fee for this service.

Finishes

There are three main polishes you can choose. The most popular is polished, which is when there surface is smooth and shiny. Then there is honed and leathered.

Honed is when the surface is smooth, but not shiny, allowing for more of the natural color of the stone to come out.

Leathered is when the surface is far more natural, both in color and in texture. It will still generally be smooth, but you will be able to see and feel the difference in this type of surface.

Some granite fabricators will choose a basic polish without asking. So be sure to ask if you want something different. Polished has always been popular, but leathered and honed are becoming increasingly chosen.

Sealant

You stone should be sealed before installation, but not all fabricators will. Just be sure to check that it is. If not, you can always ask them to do it. It may have an extra fee to it though. You should also seal your stone annually, or purchase a cleaner that has sealant in it.

Remnants

Little known fact, you own your remnants. Remnants are the little pieces left over after they make the cuts for your countertops. They typically aren’t big enough to use for other projects, unless you make a mosaic. But every now and then those pieces are big enough to use for a bathroom vanity, or a coffee table, or are even large enough to sell and recoup some of your money.

Remember, those are your remnants, you can do what you want with them. If you don’t want them then you don’t have to do anything. The fabricator will either through them away or sell them.